Effect of further alloying on the microstructure and mechanical properties of an Fe-10Ni-5Mn maraging steel

An Fe-10Ni-5Mn (wt.%) maraging steel was further alloyed with higher amounts of molybdenum, titanium, chromium and tungsten additions. Optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and tensile test were used to study effect of the further alloying on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the present steel. Austenite retention was found as a consequence of further alloying. The retained austenite showed mechanical instability and transformed to martensite during tensile deformation, giving rise to high uniform tensile elongation. Precipitation of a molybdenum-enriched second phase particle was identified at austenite grain boundaries presumably due to excess alloying elements content. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.